Washington County Democratic Party Chairwoman Dorothy Engelman plants a sign Thursday at the Bloomington home of Ruth Reid.

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Political leaders are urging residents to get involved this election season, starting this week in neighborhood caucuses.

A bill recently passed by the state Legislature changed the state's law, starting next year, to allow candidates to bypass party caucuses and conventions by gathering enough signatures to move directly to a primary. The measure was developed as a compromise between advocates and opponents of the Count My Vote initiative.

But this year, the caucuses will have their usual influence, with potential voters gathering to elect precinct leadership and delegates to ...